Preventive Dentistry – Arlington, TX
The Key to a Healthy Smile is Prevention
Even when you brush and floss regularly at home, routine visits to your family dentist in Arlington are necessary to help maintain healthy teeth and gums. Our dentistry team at We Smile Dental of Arlington uses the latest diagnostic technology, paired with a personalized approach to care, to help spot, treat, and defend against common oral health problems. If it has been longer than six months since you last visited your dentist, schedule an appointment today to keep your smile healthy and happy with preventive dentistry in Arlington, TX.
Why Choose We Smile Dental of Arlington for Preventive Dentistry?
- Warm & Friendly Dentist with 12+ Years of Experience
- We Accept & Maximize Dental Insurance
- Happy to Treat Patients of All Ages
Dental Checkups & Teeth Cleanings
According to the American Dental Association, bi-annual checkups and cleanings with your dentist are necessary to maintain healthy teeth and gums. At these appointments, our team will take X-rays, conduct a thorough visual examination of your mouth, and diagnose and address any oral health problems that may be lingering. We’ll also provide a thorough cleaning, removing all plaque and tartar from your teeth to prevent bacteria accumulation within the mouth.
Learn More About Dental Checkups & Teeth Cleanings
Oral Cancer Screenings
Oral cancer is one of the most serious conditions that a dentist can screen for—and while this deadly disease claims over 12,000 lives each year in the US alone, it’s luckily very treatable when caught in its early stages. This is where oral cancer screenings at our office come in handy; these quick, painless exams can make all the difference in the world when it comes to your oral health and overall livelihood!
Signs & Symptoms of Oral Cancer
Oral cancer symptoms can be very subtle, and it’s very possible for the condition to fly under the radar until things become severe. This is part of why routine screenings are so crucial! That said, some common warning signs include:
- Sores or ulcers in your mouth that don’t heal within two weeks
- Red or white patches on your gums, tongue, or inner cheeks
- Persistent hoarseness, sore throat, or a change in your voice
- Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or moving your jaw or tongue
- Numbness or unexplained bleeding in your mouth, lips, or tongue
- A lump or thickening in the soft tissues of your mouth or throat
- Loose teeth or general discomfort while eating
Having one or two of these symptoms doesn’t necessarily mean you have oral cancer, but it’s always best to be safe—so reach out to our office if you notice any of the above signs between your routine checkups!
What Does a Dentist Look for During an Oral Cancer Screening?
During an oral cancer screening, Dr. Atluri will conduct a visual and physical examination of your mouth, oral tissues, lips, throat, and tongue in search of any signs of oral cancer. Essentially, she is looking for any tissue changes that fall outside of what a healthy mouth should look like. She’ll also be feeling along your jaw and neck to check for any enlarged lymph nodes, which can be an early indicator of a spreading issue. If anything suspicious is found, we’ll ask you to come in for a follow-up; since oral cancer can look just like other everyday issues in its earliest stages, we don’t leave anything to chance.
What Can I Expect During My Screening?
An oral cancer screening in Arlington only takes a few minutes and can be performed as part of your regular checkup with no separate appointment needed. There’s nothing you need to do to prepare, and if you’re feeling anxious, don’t worry; there won’t be any discomfort involved. Dr. Atluri will begin with a visual examination, checking all of the soft tissues inside your mouth using a small light and mirror. She might also touch suspicious areas to check for firmness or sensitivity.
She’ll continue this process, looking at your lips, tongue, the floor and roof of your mouth, your gums, and the insides of your cheeks. If everything looks healthy, she’ll let you know and continue with the rest of your visit! If something is spotted, she’ll explain her findings, what it may or may not mean, and go over your next steps.
Nightguards for Bruxism
Bruxism, more commonly known as the grinding and clenching of teeth due to stress or TMJ issues, is a problem that impacts countless people of all ages. If you wake up with a sore jaw or neck, headache, or notice that your molars appear ground down, Dr. Atluri can craft a custom-fitted nightguard to protect your teeth and jaw joints. It’s designed with your comfort and oral health in mind, and with regular use, it can prevent additional issues from arising down the road.
Gum Disease Treatment
Gum disease is one of the most common oral health problems, estimated to impact one out of every two adults in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Without timely intervention, the early signs of periodontal disease can progress, causing permanent damage to your smile. Dr. Atluri’s goal is to spot and treat these symptoms early on with scaling and root planing, typically referred to as deep cleaning, to keep the disease from progressing.